Primatology in zoos: Studying behavior, cognition, and welfare

Abstract

Primatological research in zoos is increasing globally. Such research allows scientists to study primate biology, behavior, and cognition while helping to advance the welfare of captive primates. Moreover, zoos welcome millions of visitors annually, which creates unique opportunities for public engagement with this research.Reflecting the importance of zoos in the field of primatology, the articles in this special issue showcase the range of primatological research currently being conducted in zoos around the world. With this special issue, I have chosen to focus on research examining primate behavior and cognition, addressing both basic and applied questions. The articles included in this special issue also highlight the array of technologies and methods being used to study zoo-housed primates. While zoos house a variety of primate species, potentially enabling the testing of under-studied species or widescale comparative research, great apes are disproportionately represented in current zoo-based research. Thus, while an interest in conducting research with primates in zoos continues to grow, there are still opportunities to increase the breadth and diversity of this study.

Apex and ApeTouch: Development of a Portable Touchscreen System and Software for Primates at Zoos

“…Zoos are increasingly becoming primate research hubs [2,3] and computer touchscreen methods are a prevalent method at zoos for studying primate cognition [4]. Touchscreens are intuitive for primates to understand because of the one-to-one mapping of stimuli presentation and the touch response on the screen [5].…”

Zoo studies in primate physiology, health, and welfare

“…However, especially in North America, there also has been a substantial amount of research focused on reproduction and endocrinology (Melfi, 2005; Stoinski et al, 1998). Although the majority of primate research in zoos has been on great apes (Hopper, 2022; Melfi, 2005; Stoinski et al, 1998), a bias that remains and is reflected in this special issue, the studies herein highlight some of the basic and applied research that could be beneficial across primate taxa. The goal of this special issue is to showcase some of the many ways the tradition of focusing on reproduction and endocrinology in zoo‐based primatology continues today.…”

“…Although it has its challenges and limitations, there are numerous benefits to conducting primatological research with zoo collections (Behringer et al, 2018; Hopper, 2022; Melfi, 2005). Primates in zoos often live in more naturalistic settings and social groupings than primates in research laboratories, which may make them better suited for answering certain types of questions.…”

“…Most nonhuman primate research conducted in zoos is behavioral (Melfi, 2005; Stoinski et al, 1998), with a growing focus on cognition (Hopper, 2017; E. S. McEwen et al, 2022). Current research on behavior, cognition, and welfare in zoo‐housed primates was the focus of a recent special issue in the American Journal of Primatology (Hopper, 2022). However, especially in North America, there also has been a substantial amount of research focused on reproduction and endocrinology (Melfi, 2005; Stoinski et al, 1998).…”

“…Eighteen years later, advances have been made and the eight articles published in this special issue of the American Journal of Primatology exemplify recent efforts to meet this need and demonstrate some of the many ways that research in zoos can contribute to our knowledge of primate physiology, health, and welfare. However, with the majority of primate species threatened with extinction (Estrada et al, 2017) and the continued taxonomic bias for studies in great apes (Hopper, 2022), the pressing need remains.…”